“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
At Fire Pit Art® we believe giving back is essential in sustaining mankind. Our fire pits are forged, by hand, with metal. Metal is an element many take for granted. Unknown to some, metals, such as iron, are an essential component in the human diet. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body’s blood lacks iron-rich red blood cells, which carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia is attributed to severe fatigue, pregnancy complications, heart problems, and even death. In first world countries, most find their basic dietary needs met with ease. A simple daily vitamin is fortified with enough iron to help establish health in the population, and combat iron deficiency. However, in poverty-stricken countries, such as Haiti, basic dietary needs can be a struggle, and anemia has become a wide-spread issue.
Partnering with long-time friends and missionaries, Bob and Denise Snyder, Fire Pit Art® was able to assist in the fight against iron deficiency anemia through the “Lucky Iron Fish” initiative. Based on a research study in Cambodia Bob had learned about, Fire Pit Art® was able to carve fish out of Iron that would be used to help fortify the foods cooked by the Haitians. By using Iron that doesn’t contain harmful alloys, the iron fish are placed in the bottom of a cooking pot with a small amount of acid (like citrus), releasing a significant amount of iron into the food being cooked. The research study in the Cambodian village had proven when these “Lucky Iron Fish” were used in a single-family home three times a week, those family members were four times less likely to suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
Fire Pit Art® has proudly donated its first 100 “Lucky Iron Fish” to Bob and Denise’s mission group “The Haiti Project” which will be distributed across the nation of Haiti by several mission groups fall 2019. Bob and Denise have cultivated an integrity with the Haitians, teaching them sustainable lifestyles and providing school and food programs to hundreds of Haitian children. “The Haiti Project” has a longstanding partnership with Father Dachemy of a local Haitian catholic church. Father Dachemy had the privilege of traveling to Tennessee to meet with Rick and Donna Wittrig, founders of Fire Pit Art®, and share the stories of the local Haitian villages and the testimonials of “The Haiti Project” in his area.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple solution to solve a complicated issue. Fire Pit Art® is proud to have the opportunity to serve those who need it most and have a small part in a big picture solution. To learn more about “The Haiti Project” and how you can take part in their projects visit http://www.partnerinhaiti.org/.